DETERMINATION OF THE LEVEL OF PERCEIVED ADVANTAGES AND OBSTACLES FROM PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF STUDENTS

Nderim Limani, Agim Rexhepi, Bardhyl Bulica

Abstract

The impact of physical activity on the health of people is proven by the large number of research to date. Sadly, there is a larger part of the population that is not physically active enough. Diseases whose cause is hypo-kinesis represent large problems for contemporary medicine. To determine any perceived benefits or obstacles from exercise a scale of benefits/obstacles from exercise was applied on a sample of 603 female respondents randomly selected from several universities including the state universities of Tetova 320 students, Tirana 154 students and Prishtina 129 students. The dominant benefit of exercise that students perceive is physical performance. This is followed by psychological benefits, improved quality of life and the enhancement of health and social interaction. Statistically significant differences were found among most subscales in assessing perceived exercise benefits. The biggest obstacles to exercise that students believe is physical exertion, followed by a proper environment for exercise, lack of time and discouragement from the family. Statistically significant differences were not found between the subscales of exercise environment and a lack of time. The implications of this research in developing strategies or educational programs to promote physical activity indicate an importance for students to increase the benefit - disability ratio. Applied interventions should help students relieve or overcome the feelings of discomfort from physical exertion during exercise i.e. the reduction of perceived barriers, and emphasize health and other benefits of regular exercise i.e. increase expected benefits.

Pages: 186 - 191